Leading without Authority

"Smooth leading when you're not in charge" is the most underrated skill an employer/manager could be looking for. It's more than following orders or taking charge. The ability to lead without formal authority is a skill that can set you apart from the rest. #leadership #leadershipmindset

In an accelerated market that's full of challenges and risks, the need for more than one single leader becomes a crucial matter.

But how could this leaves the books and becomes a practical act that's more than a piece of advice?!

"Lead without authority" is a valuable skill that can drive collaboration, innovation, and success within organizations and build diligent, well-built and tenacious teams. Such teams' attitude can make the difference between an on-track dashing project and another desultory one that been led astray.

Getting to the beef, here are some main aspects to pay attention for to stay an effective "Background Leader"-as I'd like to call it.

Identifying "Your Team"

Being aware of the team members is the first step to get that team together.

You have to think of the team as everyone who can coordinate and assist in achieving the aims and goals of the whole job, they're not just your colleagues that are employed in your organization.

Earn Permission to Lead

Being an effective team-player is a powerful way to lead without authority. Showing integrity, resilience, strong work ethic and being a role model for others, inspiring them through your behavior and actions is your way for gaining the permission of others to be led by you.

Lead by example and with generosity to serve prior to asking questions and giving directions.

Earn their permission to lead by serving, sharing, and caring.

Know what everyone has to offer

This could be the most essential aspect to work-hard on, if you want to have an effective and helpful team.

Knowing someone's skills and abilities is very important to give you the vision of how you will keep the team in rhythm. Communication is key to discover who will give you quality, who will serve you with time when it's urgent, who is a problem solver, who is an excellent presenter and who could have perfect negotiation skills.

Build channels of clear communication

Communicating the needed information and inputs clearly without any hiding around the block is a key brick in building an effective channels between you and your team members. They don't need to feel that you're just giving them a bite of the whole pie. Listen actively to others and strive to understand their perspectives. A good listener is always enabled to influence others.

Develop your expertise to renew credibility

Continuously develop your knowledge and skills to gain credibility among your peers. When others recognize your expertise, they are more likely to follow your lead, even in the absence of formal authority.

Focusing on your self-development keep you aware of possible solutions and gives you the leverage to pick a suitable one.

Implant accountability, credits and recognition culture

Holding yourself accountable for your mistakes helps you to implant the spirit of accountability among the team and gives the comfort to be led without fear. Everybody can take ownership of their actions and outcomes with nothing to hide.

Giving the team a chance to be accountable should be reflected on giving them the credit of their work too. A coach doesn't need to play to be a good coach, so don't play your team or steal their glow. Keeping a sense of recognition can drive them to achieve all the necessary goals with zero pushing.

Being A leader is so easy, you just have to know the way, go the way and show the way.

"Smooth leading when you're not in charge" is the most underrated skill an employer/manager could be looking for. It's more than following orders or taking charge. The ability to lead without formal authority is a skill that can set you apart from the rest.

till other in-depth experiences,

Stay Effective,

- Karem ELSayyad